While Daddy is Away, We're Gonna Play

James is out of town starting today for 9 days so to start this long week without him off thank goodness the weather finally cooperated and got back up to 90 which meant it was warm enough to spend the day at the pool. Kaitlyn is like a fish from the time we get there in the AM all the way to when it's time to go home she just swims and floats around. No matter if its just her and her sister and I or if there is 10 other kids she just has a blast. Kiera on the other hand loves being in the water but she only likes it if I am holding her or if she thinks she is swimming all by herself. She hates any time of ring or float that keeps her confined which makes it a bit less relaxing for me. However, today she did play in her little floatation ring for about a half hour which was nice. I was starting to get what we call a Kiera tan kindof the equivilant to the farmers tan. I seem to hold her alot more on my right side and with my right arm being under her all day while at the pool made it look as though I was out in the sun wearing a shirt that was sleeveless on one side and long sleeved on the other. Glad to get that evened out. I'm still looking for people to join us for Six Flags on Tues. if you are interested let me know... No pictures from the pool as of now. My computer is running too slow for some reason.

We Monkey'd around all day...

We decided to give Monkey Joe's a try and it was a great time until a busload of kids got dropped off then it was still fun but CROWDED. Kaitlyn had so much fun she is at the perfect age that she could do all the big stuff if she wanted to give it a try and was still young enough to get in all the little things they had for Kiera to play around in. We had a great day! Next time we are going to try BounceU because we hear that grown ups can get in and play too! Below are a few pictures from the past few days as well. Anyone wanna go to Six Flags this coming Tuesday? July 28th. It is Papa Cheek's Birthday but we are going because tickets are $10 for adults and children. We were going to go yesterday, but the wether man called for rain all day so we canceled, too bad it ever rain! I also took great video of the girls dancing to one of their favorites, but for some reason it will not load so as soon as I figure out a better way, we will share that with you as well. Enjoy the pictures.

Papa haning out with his two favorite girls




Kiera was not happy with this outfit, she thought she looked too much like a boy


Bouncing and sliding at Monkey Joe's

trying to laod pics from Monkey joe's computer is about to get thrown.

Kaitlyn's 4th Birthday is just around the Corner

Kaitlyn is so excited about her 4th birthday that will be her in about 3 1/2 weeks! This is the first year that she really cares what takes place and she was adiment that swimming is involved. So, weather permitting will not be having her party at our house for the first time. We will be having it at her Grandma Sharon's Club house/pool. I really try to do the party as close to the actual b-day, but James has a thing he has to be at in Chicago on the 15th, so I am thinking the 9th will be the best day to do it. But as of now I am waiting to see if that date is deffinately available otherwise we will go with the 16th. Inside is air conditioned and out by the pool there is a nice shaded area. She lives in Arnold close to Hwy 55 & Richardson Rd. Most of you will be comming from St. Charles County and the best way to get there would be from 70 to 270 to 55 to Richardson or from 40 you would take 40 to 270 to 55 to Richardson. Just to give you a rough idea of where we will be. I'll have more specific details in a few days.

Hangin At Home For A Change

Today we just hung out at home. I know it doesn't sound very exciting and that is exactly my point. It was so nice to just do nothing for a change. After all the festivities this past weekend I need a few days like today.


They like to get right in there with all the toys. I don't mind it at all. It keeps the toys off the floor for the most part and they stay out of trouble for a few minutes.


They love giving each other hugs and kisses & yes Kiera is standing on the kitchen table.


If you've ever wondered what maple syrup does to the hair.... This is it. Kiera was a bit messy with her waffles this morning then ran her fingers through her hair. It was very stiff to say the least.


Showing off some more All Star gear. Kaitlyn wanted to hold the coffee mug/ shot glass/ beer stein collection, while I wore my shirt and Kiera was holding but just dropped the squishy ball and real baseball with the blanket behind us. We got a bit carried away in the All Star fever! But it sure was fun!





Stay tuned in the next week or so for a BIG announcement!

All Star Weekend of FUN

We did so much this past weekend, I don't know how we fit it all in. Somehow we managed to and it was a blast.
1st we decided to head out to Aunt Val & Uncle Johns house for a visit. Then as evening neared mommy really wanted to go downtown and see the concert Sheryl Crow was putting on to kick off the MLB All Star weekend. And man can she put on a concert. We had an absolute blast dancing and singing. She came back on stage two times after the concert was supposed to be over and we were surprised by yet more beautiful fireworks. The girls got to ride the MetroLink for the 1st time and enjoy their first concert.
Sunday started off kinda rainy and we didn't really have much planned, but then daddy called and said he had tickets to the All Star FanFest so off we went to meet up with him and head back downtown to that. It was really neat. All the memorobilia and world series trophies. Kaitlyn ran the bases with uncle Ryan and even slid into home. Kiera ran the mini bases with mommy. And mama Sheryl, Uncle Ryan & Mommy all gave pitching a whirl and got to see how slow they could throw. Kaitlyn got to hit off the tee and sit in the All Star corvette. We even got our own trading cards made. All of us brought home great goodies and had a great time.
Then Monday rolls around and we really didn't have anything planned but the weather was too georgious to be inside and Mama Sheryl suggested going to Grants farm. They were getting in on the All Star action as well with good deals and discounts. So we get to Grants Farm and it was not a busy place at all it was a very nice and relaxing day Riding the tram 2 times around the park!, checking out all the animals, taking in a bird show and and admiring the famious Clydsdales. What a great day! We hope you enjoy the pics of our fun filled weekend...

Playing at Aunt Val & Uncle John's house




At the concert


Sheryl Crow


Mama helping Kiera be as tall as the Arch


The crowd


Sheryl Crow


Kaitlyn Dancing


Us dancing








MetroLink


Exhausted


At FanFest





Trading cards



Kaitlyn making a great catch


Ryan pitching


The girls in the Vette


Kiera with her new friends








Kiera's first snowcone








Kaitlyn & Papa


Mama and Kaitlyn making a wish

















Watching the homerun derby

At the Zoo

We went to the zoo with Aunt Val today. It was perfect weather, it looked like it was going to rain the whole time but it didn't until we got to the car when it was time to go. What kid goes to the zoo and has no interest in the animals? Kaitlyn! All she wanted to do was push the stroller and ride the train. So she did. Kiera went on her first train ride she really liked it. Kaitlyn especially liked yelling when we went through the tunnels. What a fun day!


Cooling off at the big water fan


Yelling in the tunnel


All of us on the train



Sleepy Tigers


Mr. Lion


Checking out the Prairie Dogs


Kiera was really into those



How many people does it take to push a stroller :)

July 4th Weekend

We had a great fourth of July weekend. It kicked off Thursday night with some sparklers, hens laying eggs and fountain and other fireworks at home. Then we headed out to O'fallon for the fair and fireworks Firday. Both of the girls really liked the shuttle ride in to start things off. Kaitlyn had a blast on a huge inflteable bouncy slide and the puppy dog and car rides. The Fireworks were spectacular. Saturday we woke up and started to head for the VP parade downtown, but a mix of the weather and other things made us turn back around. Once the rain seemed to clear we headed back up to the O'fallon fair for more fun and fireworks. We had the fun but didn't get to see more fireworks. The thunderstorms rolled in about 30 minutes before they were supposed to start. We hurried under a tent and then decided to run for it in the rain. The car was about a 10 minute walk, but we walked and ran as fast as we could. We all got soaked, but it was an experience. The girls enjoyed it. I had Kiera poor little thing couldn't have been any more wet, but she had a smile on her face. Kaitlyn was excited too because she got to ride in the stroller that uncle Ryan was pushing really fast. Sunday we were all set to go to the park near our house where they rescheduled the fireworks that were a wash Sat. but when we got there, there was nothing going on, so on our way back to the house we saw that there was alot of people parked along the side of the road sitting out in lawn chairs so I pulled in and inquired about it and we ended up catching another great display. Kaitlyn really enjoyed it because she got a tattoo and a bugs bunny ice cream from the ice cream man while we waited for the show to begin. We got home from the action packed weekend about 10pm with just enough time to head outside and finish the sparklers we bought. I hope everyone had a great 4th. Enjoy the pictures below...

Kaitlyn's Tattoo


Eating her Bugs Bunny Ice cream waiting for the fireworks


Kaitlyn not too sure of the whole sparkler thing


Kiera wanted a sparkler but she had to settle with watching Kaitlyn do one with daddy. She was less than thrilled.


Walking to the fair


Fun shuttle ride



Playing with balloon animals


Big huge slide.... Can you see Kaitlyn?


Fireworks


Watching Fireworks


Playing in straw/hay



Cool Car ride.... she takes driving seriously



Puppy dog ride


Papa Ron and Kaitlyn